What is Ceritinib?
Ceritinib can be used to treat lung cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Ceritinib can only be used if the cancer carries a particular genetic marker. This gene will be tested by your doctor. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Ceritinib.
Side effects of Ceritinib
If you experience symptoms of allergy such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to your lips, face, throat, tongue or mouth - seek emergency medical attention immediately. Ceritinib can cause severe side effects in your stomach, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience severe stomach pain or symptoms that persist, call your doctor.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Severe pain spreading from your upper abdomen to your back
- Slow heartbeats or weak pulses; shallow or weak breathing
- Feeling short of breath or experiencing sudden discomfort or pain in the chest, accompanied by a fever or dry cough, or a cough that contains mucus.
- Experience rapid or pounding pulses, chest flutters, shortness of breath and sudden dizziness as symptoms.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urine, fruity breath smell, headaches and thinking difficulties, blurred vision, or feeling tired.
- High blood sugar—increased thirst and urination; dry lips
- Liver problems typically include right-sided stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness and itching as well as easy bruising or bleeding; dark urine output or yellowing skin or eyes as symptoms.
Side effects common to ceritinib include:
- Stomach pain and loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Feeling tired
- Weight loss.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; and report these to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 for guidance and reporting purposes.
Warnings
Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby. Men and women who use ceritinib are advised to avoid pregnancy by using effective birth control. Continue using contraception for at least six months or three months following your last ceritinib dose, if you're a female. If you experience severe stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain, tell your doctor. Ceritinib may cause side effects that are serious to your liver, heart, or lungs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: stomach pain on the right, loss of appetite or appetite, bleeding or bruising, dark urine or yellowing skin and eyes, fever or cough, chest discomfort, heartbeat irregularities, sudden dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Before you take this drug
Ceritinib should be avoided if allergic reactions are present.
If you've ever:
- Heart problems
- Long QT Syndrome
- An electrolyte balance (such as low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood);
- A pancreas disorder;
- Diabetes, or high blood sugar;
- Liver Disease.
Ceritinib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking the medicine.
- Women should not take ceritinib while pregnant. You should use effective birth control during the time you take this medication and at least six months after.
- Use effective birth control if you're a male. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dose.
- Do not wait to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using ceritinib.
Do not breastfeed for 2 weeks following your last dose and while taking this medication.
How to take Ceritinib?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Ceritinib can be taken with or without food. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for dosage. HTML_ Do not take another ceritinib dose if you vomit soon after taking it. Do not take another dose until you have taken your scheduled next dose. Ceritinib may cause nausea and vomiting. You will be prescribed medication to reduce this.
Ceritinib may require frequent tests in order to ensure it does not have any harmful side effects. The results may delay your cancer treatment. Ceritinib should be given until the body stops responding to it. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer:
Take 450mg orally every day at the same time until there is disease progression or unacceptable toxicities.
Use: For the treatment of metastatic anaplastic lymphoma with kinase ALK (ALK-positive) non-small cell lung cancer who are not tolerant of or have advanced to Crisotinib.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Skip the dose missed if the next dose is in 12 hours or less. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Grapefruit can interact with ceritinib, causing unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit-free products.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Taking certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or make other medications less effective. Ceritinib can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
